Those who can, teach.

On two separate occasions in the past month, but completely unconnected individuals, I have been told that I should have been a teacher.  I jokingly said to both parties that it would be a bad career move, as I can't stand children.

They saw me involved in the Easter Code, the trip through the Easter story that went down so well at Airside and Bramblehill churches.  So well in fact, that there are already bookings for next year.  To the people that commented, they got to see me do something that I had done before, and alongside many other people, had spent many hours discussing and planning.  The bits I was involved in were a game involving up to 50 children at a time, then a smaller group session with around 10, then finally a part in an interactive Q and A session at the end. 

I enjoyed every part I was involved in, and I would like to think the children got something out of my bit, in the same way as they enjoyed the rest of the event. But the event was exhausting.  It was pretty intense for each of the four sessions I was involved in.  This is where I have a problem with teaching.

My primary school teachers were an awesome bunch of people, and I know that they may have had off days, but they never let it show in the classroom.  Some days we must have driven them up the wall, but they came back for more the next day.  They helped develop my love of reading, and must have despaired that an I just never got the hang of maths.

This is why I know I couldn't be a teacher.  While I do actually like working with children, and I like teaching them things and hearing their stories.  I love the chaos that a good children's address can cause in worship, as long as it can be done in such a way that I bring them back calm and on topic, But I couldn't do it full time.  It's just too intense.  The teachers I know are truly dedicated to their craft, and I respect and admire them for it. 

So this is why I know I couldn't be a teacher.  Children deserve the best, and despite the very supportive and appreciated comments from the individuals from the first paragraph, I know I am not the best man for the job.